Barry McMahon shares his background in military aviation and Zen Buddhism. He developed an interest in Zen at a young age and pursued it further during his time in college. He then went to Japan to study Zen and lived there for five years, immersing himself in the culture and language. After returning to the United States, he joined the Navy and became a pilot, flying F-14s. Barry discusses the intersection of Zen and military life, as well as the importance of compassion and wisdom in Zen practice. He also touches on the balance between personal practice and social action. Barry McMahon shares his experience as a Navy pilot and Zen teacher, discussing the intersection of military life and Zen philosophy. He talks about the thrill of flying as an adversary and the challenges of being away from family during deployments. McMahon reflects on his leadership style and the realization that he preferred being an operator rather than a leader. He shares a close call he had during a night landing on an aircraft carrier and how his Zen training helped him stay focused in high-pressure situations. McMahon also discusses the non-dual nature of reality and the importance of turning the light inward.

Takeaways

Barry McMahon developed an interest in Zen at a young age and pursued it further during his time in college.

He lived in Japan for five years, studying Zen and immersing himself in the culture and language.

Barry joined the Navy and became a pilot, flying F-14s.

He discusses the intersection of Zen and military life, as well as the importance of compassion and wisdom in Zen practice.

Barry emphasizes the balance between personal practice and social action. The thrill of flying as an adversary in the Navy was the most fun for Barry McMahon.

McMahon preferred being an operator rather than a leader in the military.

His Zen training helped him stay focused and calm in high-pressure situations.

McMahon reflects on the non-dual nature of reality and the importance of turning the light inward.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

09:17 Early Interest in Zen and Study in Japan

17:34 Soto and Rinzai Schools of Zen

20:21 Zen Monastic Life and Social Action

27:31 Military Aviation and Zen Practice

32:39 Flying as an Adversary

34:03 Choosing to Be an Operator

37:16 Close Call on a Night Landing

41:50 Zen Training and Staying Focused

45:30 The Non-Dual Nature of Reality